Seeing 10 out of Tenn is like seeing 10 concerts in one

If Trent Dabbs' life was a movie, he would already have the music for the soundtrack.

The Nashville musician is behind the Ten Out of Tenn tour, where 10 promising Nashville artists come together to perform all over the U.S., including a stop at The Red Room in Kennewick on March 29.

Dabbs and his wife Kristen started the tour three years ago as a means of letting people know that Nashville is not all cowboy hats and rhinestones.

"I think they definitely need to know this is a sound that they would not expect from Nashville, and they're not going to come and like a handful of artists. They are going to like them all," Dabbs said.

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The tour kicked off last July with a compilation album, followed by a Christmas tour and an album on iTunes.

"The wave of response, even in Nashville is what kind of propelled us to keep going and do another one," Dabbs said.

Rising artist Erin McCarley is one of the headliners, but will be finishing up touring with John Mayer, missing out on most of the early shows. Temporarily filling in will be Hawaiian-country singer Courtney Jaye.

"There are a lot of people who come here to do music who are really talented, and I think that's what 10 out of Tenn is aiming to do," Herzig said. "To show people what's here, because when you get outside of Nashville, not a lot of people know there's some really cool music here that isn't country music."

Herzig has been touring for nine months and recently came back from performing on the Cayamo Cruise alongside Patty Griffin and Brandy Carlile. His album Apple Tree is available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

"Taking the time to create music that is lasting and impactful that you're proud of -- that's where it all starts," Herzig said. "If you don't have something that is unique, then your whole path is going to be really hard."

Dabbs is also working on finishing his own album, and praises the tour for giving him the opportunity to co-write with several of the artists.

"I think this tour has given us a little bit of leverage to be tighter as a band," he said. "This group has been so organic in how it came about. It's been such a fun experience."

At each show, each artist performs two songs, giving in effect 10 concerts in one. Tickets for the event are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Life on the road is difficult for Dabbs, especially with two children. But he wouldn't want it any other way.

"We have traveled a lot," he said. "I've been really into just trying to get to know everyone on this tour and try to write with them and try to know their backstory. I have two children now and that makes it feel like the risk is higher, but the meaning is more. I wouldn't even start to leave if I didn't feel it was for the right reasons."

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